4 reasons why you should visit Cape Town, South Africa
Surely you've heard of Table Mountain and the cute little penguins on Boulders Beach. But there are so many other reasons why you should add Cape Town to your list of places to visit — one day.
1. The weather
Let's talk about the weather before anything else. If you didn't know it already, South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, which means that it's their summer when it's our winter and vice versa, making Cape Town a very tempting destination for some winter sun.
In January when we're all suffering from the winter blues, you can expect an average high temperature in Cape Town of a very pleasant 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in summer, Cape Town is worth a visit as maximum temperatures in July -- right in the middle of the country's winter -- sit at around 64 degrees -- a far cry from our sub-zero winter temperatures.
Related reading: Destinations to add onto a trip to Cape Town, South Africa
2. Some of the best scenery in the world
Cape Town probably has one of the most spectacular backdrops of any city in the world -- Table Mountain. Pretty much anywhere you are in the city, there will be either a view of South Africa's most-visited attraction, the sea or if you're in a really good spot, both!
The city is fairly small and is surrounded by rugged landscape. You can take hikes for breathtaking views or long strolls along some pretty stunning beaches. Rest assured, whatever you end up doing, you're sure to find a photo opportunity or two along the way.
3. Wine
If you like a good glass of vino from time to time, then Cape Town will be right up your street. The legislative capital of South Africa is nestled on the coast of the country's Western Cape where the majority of its wine regions are.
There are many regions to choose from, with the most popular tourist wine hotspot in the Cape Winelands being Stellenbosch. A great alternative would be Constantia, which dates back to 1685 and is only 30 minutes away from Cape Town by car.
4. It's relatively cheap
If you're slowly but surely being convinced that you should book yourself on the next flight to Cape Town but you're thinking that such a great trip will come at a price -- well, you're wrong. Thanks to a very weak rand (South Africa's currency), you can get a lot of bang for your buck in South Africa.
Related reading: Choosing between local currency or home currency when using your cards abroad
Comparing the price of a beer is usually a pretty foolproof way to understand whether somewhere is cheap in comparison. Given that the average beer will set you back 35 rand (around $2.30 at the time of writing), I think we'd all agree that that's a very decent price.
In terms of eating out, the most expensive meals in casual hangouts like Yours Truly will cost you a maximum of about $11. Then there are places like The Harbour House on the V&A Waterfront where you can expect prices not too dissimilar from the U.S.
Bottom line
Whether you're a Cape Town expert or you've never been before, Cape Town is a great option for a vacation. Between the great wine, weather and scenery, and soon even more accessibility, it's a great time to head to South Africa.
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Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees